Storm Technology, a Littlefish company, has released new research highlighting how artificial intelligence (AI) is influencing workplace wellbeing and productivity across Ireland and the UK.

The survey of 200 IT decision-makers – split evenly between both markets – found that 68% of IT leaders believe AI use by staff reduces stress levels, while 60% think it will help cut burnout in their organisation.

Nearly three quarters (72%) of respondents believe AI could improve work-life balance, with 66% saying it would free employees from repetitive manual tasks and allow them to focus on more meaningful work.

Furthermore, 57% report that employees are optimistic about AI’s impact on their day-to-day roles.

In Ireland, AI adoption appears to be gathering pace.

Seventy per cent of respondents here say their organisation already permits AI use, and 68% personally use it to support their work.

Over half (51%) use AI daily, with just 2% not using it at all.

The technology’s appeal is also influencing career preferences, with 69% of Irish IT leaders preferring to work for companies more advanced in AI adoption.

However, the findings also reveal significant barriers.

The most common challenge is a lack of understanding within the wider organisation about AI’s potential applications or benefits, cited by 31% of respondents.

In addition, 73% say user adoption is a concern, while 30% feel senior management do not grasp AI’s potential.

Other hurdles include data, privacy and security management (28%), lack of trust in AI (27%), employee resistance (27%), and insufficient AI skills within the organisation (27%).

Notably, 40% of IT leaders do not believe their team currently has the technical skills to implement AI, and 70% say employees expect formal AI training.

Commenting on the findings, John Tallon, M365 Productivity & Adoption, Azure Application Innovation and Azure Data & AI Practice Director at Storm Technology, said: “AI is creating a predicament for people and businesses.

“On the one hand, it is seen as a means of reducing workload stresses, supporting creativity, and productivity.

“However, on the other hand, there is reluctance to adopt AI, stemming from a gap in understanding and the necessary skills required.

“Businesses will need to bridge this knowledge gap to capitalise on the benefits of AI. Empowering people will drive the biggest impact across the whole business.”